Sacred Concord

Odyssey 20.13

Odyssey · translated by Samuel Butler

Then Telemachus went out of the court to the place where the Achaeans were meeting in assembly; he had his spear in his hand, and he was not alone, for his two dogs went with him. But Euryclea called the maids and said, “Come, wake up; set about sweeping the cloisters and sprinkling them with water to lay the dust; put the covers on the seats; wipe down the tables, some of you, with a wet sponge; clean out the mixing-jugs and the cups, and go for water from the fountain at once; the suitors will be here directly; they will be here early, for it is a feast day.”
Odyssey 20.13 · Odyssey · 20

Themes in this passage

Loneliness

Loneliness in other traditions

The same theme, as Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism address it.

He alone who, without ceasing, practises the duty of sitting alone and sleeping alone, he, subduing himself, will rejoice in the destruction of all desires alone, as if living in a forest.
Dhp 21.305 · Dhammapada · Miscellaneous
Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.
Quran 1:5 · Quran · The Opening
They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.
Jeremiah 12:11 · Bible · Jeremiah
"'"The Sadhyas said, 'Who alone among the Brahmanas is always happy? Who alone amongst them can observe the vow of silence though dwelling in the midst of many? Who alone amongst them, though weak, is still regarded as strong? And who alone amongst them does not quarrel?'
Mbh 12.300.7 · Mahabharata · SANTI PARVA

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